Biography

After two straight Superbowl victories, Bishop Feehan’s goal for the 2003 season was to win the EAC and three-peat as State Champs. During this championship run, the Shamrocks touted potent offenses and swarming defenses, the heart and soul of which were the young men on the offensive and defensive lines. The lifeblood of these lines was David Paine, a 6’3” 265 lb. captain and two-way tackle for the Shamrocks.

According to Coach O’Boy, who is judicious with his compliments, Paine was, “an excellent drive blocker, one of the most technically sound linemen to ever come through Feehan. He possessed unique balance and speed for a tackle that allowed him to maul defenders.” O’Boy went on to praise Paine on the defensive side of the ball as well. He noted that he was dominant on the defensive line because he had great vision and used his hands to keep blockers from getting in on his body.

With Paine carrying the banner of the defense, the Shamrocks gave up only 108 points during their regular season. In fact, over their final 6 regular season games, no team score more than 8 points on the vaunted Bishop Feehan defense. In a victory over Attleboro, AHS Coach Kevin Deschenes praised Paine and the Shamrock defensive front that held Mike Palermo to only 32 yards rushing.

The high flying Shamrock offense was headlined by Hall of Famers John McCoy and Ron Conway, but the team’s success flowed through its offensive line. Powered by David Paine, Mike Bernardo and Dave Libardoni, the Shamrocks ripped off four straight games with 200 yards plus rushing. That same offensive line also excelled at pass blocking; Paine and company protected McCoy as he passed for 1100 yards in the regular season and threw 15 TDs.

Against Somerset, Feehan trailed 6-0 at half. In gale force winds that rendered Feehan’s passing attack null, Feehan drove 68 yards on 8 plays behind Paine to open the second half and take a 7-6 lead. That score proved final, but not before one last crucial play. Feehan had the ball, 4th and 1 on its own 44-yard line with 2 minutes left to play, driving into the wind. Punting was not an option, according to McCoy, so with the season in the balance, he kept the ball, followed Paine for 4 yards, and sealed a playoff birth.

In Feehan’s playoff victory over Wareham, the Sun Chronicle featured an article about the Shamrock offensive linemen. The Shamrock line opened holes “you could drive a truck through,” overpowering Wareham, and paving the way for 225 first half yards en route to a 40-16 rout. Feehan RB Rob McCourt said of Paine and linemates, “They just mashed [Wareham] down the field, it was beautiful.”

The Shamrocks then shut out Masconomet 16-0, capturing their 3rd of 4 straight state championships. David Paine, who garnered all-league honors, went on to star for the Harvard Crimson and became an all-Ivy League center.